Madison, Wis. – Wisconsin Basketball is heading into a new season, ready to bounce back. After a disappointing season that saw them fail to make the NCAA tournament for only the second time in the 2000s, fans are ready for the Badgers to get back to the limelight.
Greg Gard is being called to the hot seat by fans, who are giving him one final shot before they want to officially move on.
With five new faces on the team and only one key departure (Jordan Davis to ISU), there are new opportunities and new minutes to be filled.
Overview Of the Previous Year
It is difficult to label last season disappointing for Wisconsin basketball, as All-American Johnny Davis departed to the NBA a season ago. But with the Badgers being accustomed to making the tournament (NCAA, not the NIT), the season is labeled as one. The Badgers ended 20-15 and ended on a loss in the NIT Final Four to North Texas.
With every starter from the previous season returning, this team has good chemistry and experience while returning almost all production. Yet, a few new faces should have a chance to be plugged into the rotation early and possibly consume prominent roles late down the stretch.
Chucky Hepburn led all scoring and assists last year with 12.2 points per game and 2.8 assists per game, respectively, while Steven Crowl led in rebounds at 6.9 per game.
The Wisconsin Basketball Starters
Chucky Hepburn – JR
Hepburn is returning for his third season as the Badgers starting point guard. I expect his efficiency to improve while having a bigger role on the offensive end. Anywhere from 30-33 minutes per game is expected while being one of the highest scorers on the team.
Connor Essegian – SO
Essegian turned heads during his freshman year for the Wisconsin basketball team with his elite shotmaking ability for his age. He returns for his sophomore season, ready to be a microwave scorer for the team when his number is called.
Don’t expect a major minute increase with several other guards needing minutes. If he struggles on the defensive end, his minutes in the latter half of the year could be reduced. But a modest 25–27 minutes per game should still be expected.
AJ Storr – SO
Wisconsin hasn’t seen an athlete like AJ Storr walk through the Kohl Center doors in a long time.
The versatility of his game will make him a fan favorite early on. Storr is an elite shooter with a 40+ inch vertical that makes him a highlight reel every time he’s on the floor.
Please make no mistake; he was brought in as the starting small forward for UW. He will get anywhere from 25-30 minutes from the jump.
Tyler Wahl – SR (Super Senior)
T-Wahl is back for his grad year with the Wisconsin basketball program.
The fifth-year senior is looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled year. Before his injury in the first game of the new year, he averaged over 14 points per game and was the leading scorer for the team. When healthy, 15 points per game or more is more than reasonable, considering the elite footwork and body control he possesses.
Wahl is primed to see roughly 29–33 minutes per game.
Steven Crowl – SR
Steven Crowl is back and looks to be better than ever. He has vastly improved every season and is in line for yet another increase in production.
Everybody saw what he is capable of when watching his dominating 36-point, five-three-pointer performance versus Bradley in the NIT. North of 28 minutes a game for Big Steve.
The Wisconsin Basketball Bench
Kamari McGee – JR
Don’t let the stats deceive you; McGee is a solid and serviceable backup point guard. He sets up the offense well when Hepburn needs a blow. Upwards of 10 minutes per game if he’s playing well.
Max Klesmit – SR
Klesmit is back for his second season playing for Wisconsin basketball after transferring to the school after two years at Wofford.
The Neenah native showed flashes of being a good ball handler and shot creator down the stretch when injuries and fouls came about. His leadership and never-ending effort will keep him playing major minutes on the court, even with new faces in town. 23–26 minutes should be in his range.
Isaac Lindsey – JR
The Mineral Point native had an inconsistent role last season. And with the other lead guards on the roster, playing time will be limited.
However, he proved versus Purdue that he could be a spark plug off the bench when his number is called.
Expect limited minutes and probably many games where he doesn’t see the floor, but he might get 5–10 minutes if injuries or foul trouble come up.
Carter Gilmore – SR
Another Wisconsin native, Gilmore, doesn’t jump off the stat sheet and isn’t an eye-catching player. But he makes the right play whenever necessary and is an excellent low-post defender.
Sure, Gilmore’s minutes will be reduced, but 10-15 minutes is reasonable.
Gus Yalden – FR
Yalden was a top target for the Badgers from the day he entered High School. His unique frame, great handles, and shooting stroke from a big man, with a mix of versatile post moves, will get him minutes from day one.
I expect his playing time to increase more and more as the season progresses. Expect north of 10 minutes per game from the Gus Bus.
Other Key Badgers Reserves
John Blackwell – FR
John Blackwell won’t play much during his freshman year and is a potential redshirt candidate. But he had a good shooting stroke that will be one to monitor if it continues to develop.
Markus Ilver – JR
Ilver didn’t play much last season; when he did, he had efficiency issues. I don’t see him cracking the rotation consistently just yet.
Nolan Winter – FR
The Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year was a big hit for Greg Gard and the Wisconsin basketball staff.
He is an elite shooter for his size, but he needs to put on weight before seeing consistent minutes rolling his way.
Chris Hodges – SO
Hodges was a reserve last year who played very sparingly. He could get a blow for a few minutes if Crowl and Yalden are in foul trouble, but not many minutes are available for the Illinois native.
Always Looking Forward
The 2023–2024 Wisconsin Badgers have a good mix of youth, experience, shooting, and physicality that should allow them to fight for a top-four spot in the Big Ten.
Time will tell, and a tough schedule awaits, but fans are eager to see what this team has in store.
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